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The first step in any computer building endeavor is to get all set up. For me, this meant clearing my work desk (an old sturdy scratched up wooden desk) of everything, which was mainly books and old computer parts. I then looked at the neat pile of supplies I had just purchased for this new computer. For a guide on what to buy you can check out anywhere on this page, or the new how-to page named The Computer Buying Guide. For me, when assembling this computer I used a bunch of new and old parts from my Pentium 3 933Mhz computer. I put everything in anti static computer bags and boxes and set it all up. The first box I opened was the box containing the brand new $100 Gateway 17 inch monitor I had purchased from TigerDirect.com. I placed it on the Desk in the left corner, and plugged the power wire into a surge protector, which I plugged into the wall. The next step was taking the motherboard, processor, and RAM boxes from my neat pile. Make sure all your parts go together. For me, I used a Pentium 3 933Mhz Processor, Asus Motherboard, and 128 MB of PC133 SD-RAM. This system saved me a lot of money and I just don't feel the need for a Pentium 4, nor do I have the money. The case I chose for this was an A-Open small case that I happened to have around. Because its sort of cramped inside, unlike the Antec cases, I decided I had better put the RAM, and processor on the Motherboard. First, I put the RAM into the first socket on the motherboard. Very Easy. Next I did the hard job of putting the processor on. If this is your first time building a computer and you have a friend who could help you out, this is the step he should do for you. But, in case you're friend is out of town for the weekend, here's how to do it. Put the processor on the motherboard socket for it very loosely, trying to get the pins to match up. If you look at the socket, you will notice one place where there is a not a slot for the gold things hanging down where there is on the other sides. Match this up with a missing piece on the processor. If you have no idea what I'm saying, just put it on lightly, and keep rotating it until it falls into place. Next, take out your fan or heatsink. I used the standard fan that came with the Pentium 3. I wasn't planning on any major over clocking, and I had extra cooling available. Put the arm on the side down. If you used a heatsink, you will need to put the gel that comes with it evenly on the processor, then stick the heatsink carefully on it. If you use the standard fan, just put it on. Then, CAREFULLY, take a flat head screw driver and clamp the fan down onto the motherboard. You will see metal clamps from each side which should match up with clips on the motherboard. I cannot stress how careful you need to be. If you miss and hit the motherboard, that could be a very costly mistake. Once the fan or heatsink, processor, and RAM are on the motherboard, you are ready to begin the fun part. The next step I customarily do is take out my case. In this case, as I mentioned, I used a semi-cheap mid sized A-Open. It was a very complicated procedure, and varies by case, but I took the the metal casing, if you will, that holds the drives in out, and set it aside, further down on the desk. I then matched up the holes on the motherboard, without doing anything special, with the holes on the case. I took the screws out of the motherboards' box and screwed the motherboard in, starting loosely with the top right, then bottom left, then doing the rest, then tightening. you can do this however you wish, just try not to scrape the board too much. Some people swear by doing the center one first, others use my method. It's up to you. once the motherboard is snuggly in with the RAM and Processor on it, divert your attention to some the remaining bigger boxes. For me, this meant my old 8x4x32x CD-RW, a new Toshiba 16x DVD-Rom, a standard white floppy drive pulled from my old computer, a 30 GB IBM 5400 RPM hard drive, and a old fan that fits into the 5 inch slot. First, I took the fan, DVD, and CD-RW, and screwed them into the top of the metal case I had taken out of the case earlier. The order I prefer is DVD, fan, CD-RW. This, in my opinion, keeps the heat all good, and it's very easy to access. I only have room for 3 big drives, so all this space is now taken up. My next step was to screw first the floppy, on top, then the hard drive, into the case in the 3.5 inch areas. This was easier, and I ran into no problems. I then put the metal case back into the computer case, hurting my knuckles in the process of screwing it back in, and being extremely careful not to touch the motherboard, and unfortunately, banging into the power supply a lot. Once I had that secured, I went searching for the cards I planned to install. This is, by far, the easiest step. I put in a standard NIC card, Sound Blasters sound card, GeForce 3 I had around, an extra 56k modem I had around, even though I planned to use broadband. You know, just incase. My motherboard also came with a card containing extra USB ports, so I added that, even though I planned on adding a USB2.0 card at a later date. My next step was to add 1 80mm fan to the front. Very easy. The one I chose connected to the same Power wire that the optical drives do. My final hardware step was the connect all the wires. this should include, and not be limited to: - Processor Fan to Motherboard - All optical drives - All Fans - Floppy, Hard drive, and other data drives - case wires to the Motherboard (consult motherboard manual). Once these things were completed, I put the computer right side up, plugged it in, put hooked in a mouse, keyboards, and my Yamaha 3 piece speakers. I made sure the power strip was plugged in, then flipped on the power strip switch. The power supply switch should be in the on position, but mine wasn't because mine is used, so I switched that on, and switched the monitor on. I then crossed my fingers, and pressed the big blue "on" button. Luckily, I heard multiple whirling disks. I was happy to see all 4 fans working. (80 mm, Power Supply, Processor, and the one in the 5 inch). If they don't all work, turn the computer off, and check your power connections. 9 out of 10 times, that's it. I got the normal "insert boot disk" or such annoying warning screen, as I had not yet installed an operating system. Next, I busted out my Windows 2000 Professional CD and boot disk. I just let the computer work out itself, usually pressing "next" not really changing too much. After a few hours of installing and selecting, I had a great Windows 2000 Pro system. Products Used: Pentium 3 933MHz 128MB of PC-133 Ram Asus Motherboard DVD, CD-RW, Floppy Drives IBM 30 GB hard drive Gateway 17 inch monitor Standard Keyboard Standard Mouse Asus Case NIC Card GeForce 3 56k Modem |
